In a recent email update, Deb Ryun, executive director and trip leader, said 65 people are signed up, leaving just 15 slots, and described the anticipated first day:

RD 1, Sunday, June 15Riverside to Lower Tamarack Landing, 12.5 miles

Welcome to River Day (RD) 1 on the 2014 St. Croix Paddle. The weather forecast is partly cloudy, high of 75 degrees, with overnight lows of 50. We’ll have a somewhat slow start as we’ll be shuttled from Forts Folle Avoine to Riverside Landing, about 15 miles. The first RD is a fairly easy paddle, though the water can be a little fast at the beginning. You’ll want to keep to the right of the islands at river mile S129.5, a few miles downriver from Riverside. The river slows then and paddling is easy for the next 10 miles. Large groups of people on inner tubes may be encountered on this popular stretch of river.

Lunch will be wherever you decide is a good stopping point. This is a relatively short paddle day; no on-river program will be provided. The land to the west is mostly state park, so unless you encounter others it’ll feel remote; the Danbury area is the exception for the day.

Paddlers will exit river right at mile S119.8, a Paddle sign will be posted. You can either walk the mile up to St. Croix Haven Campground or take the provided shuttle. Your vessel will stay at the river (someone will camp with the boats), but you’ll want to take all your loose gear to the camp. St. Croix Haven does have a store, so some services will be available.

Once in camp you’ll set up your tent, make your dinner and relax. Some people play cards, some fish, and some simply enjoy the evening with new friends. Clark Peterson, author of the books The Great Hinckley Fire and The Devouring Rages of Fire will be the featured speaker in camp on this evening.

The trip costs $300 per paddler, and includes a truck to haul your gear, a shuttle, and kitchen equipment in camp. Campsites are prearranged and a few meals are also included. Participants provide their own canoe or kayak, PFD (required), and paddle.